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Everything You Need to Know About Water Leaks


Water leaks are a common plumbing problem that is far less obvious than you might think. When most people think about leaks, they imagine pools of water forming on their floors and stains spreading across their walls. The truth is that water leaks can happen completely behind-the-scenes, and it isn’t until you have a larger problem that your plumbing begins to show true signs of damage.

Knowing the early signs of water leaks in your home plumbing system will allow you to intervene fast and make any necessary repairs without having to suffer major damages and stress.

Common Sources of Home Water Leaks

Any room in your house that uses plumbing is susceptible to a water leak, but the most common rooms are the bathroom and kitchen. In the bathroom, your toilet, tub, and shower can spring a leak that eventually corrodes your pipes and leads to bursts and emergency repairs.

Leaky kitchen sinks may be a simple fix, just a few adjustments with a well-aimed wrench and you’re good to go. However, the biggest problem comes from the water leaks that go undetected for too long. These pipes can be catastrophic.

Burst Pipes

Most pipes don’t spontaneously erupt, but they are prone to bursting if the temperature drops too low or your home’s water pressure is too high. 

High water pressure can easily cause unexpected bursts and water damage, and you may not even realize how high your temperature is if you have faucets and showerheads that control the stream’s output. Normal water pressure ranges from 40 to 50 psi (pounds per square inch).

A simple gauge can check your water pressure levels, but you can also call in a technician who can do a fast reading and make any necessary adjustments.

Appliance Malfunctions

If your dishwasher or laundry machine goes haywire, it’s easy for seals to slip and for pipes to start leaking. Leaks in the front of top-loading washers are usually caused by too much detergent clogging the overflow tube; front-loading machines, on the other hand, may leak from the front when the seams along the outer door have weakened and need to be replaced.

Water leaks from the back of an appliance typically indicate a problem with the drainpipe such as a connection that’s come loose from the wall or some sort of blockage.

Water Tank Problems

Home water tanks are often overlooked, but it’s important to check in on yours every so often and make sure it’s running properly. You should also schedule an annual tank flush, which removes all the mineral deposits and sediment that accumulates at the water of your tank, weakening water pressure and temperature.

Water heater leaks can be caused by a variety of malfunctions including a damaged pressure release valve or a cracked or damaged heater. It’s vital that you call in a professional right away if you suspect a water heater leak; without a repair, your tank could fail altogether, resulting in more than 100 gallons of water flooding your basement.

Water Leaks Cost You More Money Than You Think

Conservation is an important aspect of many homeowner’s water use, and reducing water usage is a good way to lower your utility bills. Leaks will gradually cost you more and more money as they go untreated. A simple water faucet leak can drain hundreds of gallons of water a month, which will raise your bill significantly.

The biggest sign that you have an undetected leak is a higher bill and usage without any changes in your general consumption and lifestyle.

Know the Warning Signs

If you spot any of these problems in your home, call our professionals right away. We will assess your home to identify the source of the leak and apply a fast, effective solution that spares you hard-earned money and protects your property.

  • You hear water running in the walls.
  • Lawn overgrowth.
  • Strong odors near sources of plumbing, especially the toilet.
  • Wet or damp floors.
  • “Bubbles” or pockets of water on the ceiling.
  • Cracks appearing in walls.

To schedule a repair or have one of our plumbers check your home for a leak, call us today at 770-428-2291. You can also click here to contact us directly.